Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A controlling apparatus for controlling an application of an electronic apparatus, comprising: a non-transitory computer readable memory; and one or more processors; wherein the memory and the one or more processors are connected with each other; and the memory stores computer-executable instructions for controlling the one or more processors to determine whether an audio volume level of the electronic apparatus is adjusted lower than a threshold audio volume level in response to a manual change in an audio volume level setting; determine whether an ambient sound volume level is higher than a threshold sound volume level; determine whether the application is associated with an audio output apparatus other than the electronic apparatus; and automatically terminate the application based on (1) the determination that the audio volume level of the electronic apparatus is adjusted lower than the threshold audio volume level in response to the manual change in the audio volume level setting, (2) the determination that the ambient sound volume level is higher than the threshold sound volume level, and (3) the determination that the application is not associated with an audio output apparatus other than the electronic apparatus; wherein the manual change in the audio volume level setting comprises one or a combination of: a manual change of a setting of a physical volume adjuster of the electronic apparatus; a manual change of a setting of a physical volume adjuster of an audio output apparatus in communication with the electronic apparatus; a manual change in a setting in an audio volume slider displayed in the electronic apparatus; and a manual change in a setting in an audio volume slider displayed in the audio output apparatus in communication with the electronic apparatus.
This invention relates to a controlling apparatus for managing applications in an electronic device based on audio volume adjustments and ambient sound conditions. The apparatus includes a memory and one or more processors that execute instructions to monitor audio volume levels and ambient sound levels. If a user manually reduces the device's audio volume below a predefined threshold, the apparatus checks whether ambient noise exceeds another threshold and whether the active application relies solely on the device's audio output. If all conditions are met—low device volume, high ambient noise, and no external audio output—the apparatus automatically terminates the application. Manual volume adjustments can occur through physical volume controls on the device or connected audio devices, or via software sliders displayed on the device or connected devices. The system ensures applications are terminated when audio conditions make their output inaudible, preventing unnecessary resource usage.
2. The controlling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the non-transitory computer readable memory further stores computer-executable instructions for controlling the one or more processors to determine whether the electronic apparatus is in a screen lock state; and automatically terminate the application further based on the determination that the electronic apparatus is in the screen lock state.
This invention relates to a controlling apparatus for managing applications on an electronic device, particularly focusing on terminating applications under specific conditions. The apparatus includes one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable memory storing executable instructions. The instructions enable the processors to monitor the state of an application running on the electronic device and determine whether the application is in a background state, meaning it is not actively being used by the user. Additionally, the apparatus assesses whether the application has been in the background state for a predetermined duration. If both conditions are met, the apparatus automatically terminates the application to conserve system resources. The apparatus also checks whether the electronic device is in a screen lock state, where the device's display is inactive or locked. If the device is in this state, the apparatus further terminates the application based on this determination, ensuring that background applications do not unnecessarily consume power or resources when the device is idle. This solution addresses the problem of inefficient resource usage by background applications, particularly when the device is locked or inactive.
3. The controlling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the non-transitory computer readable memory further stores computer-executable instructions for controlling the one or more processors to automatically terminate all applications running on the electronic apparatus.
This invention relates to a controlling apparatus for managing applications on an electronic device. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently terminate all running applications on an electronic apparatus, particularly in scenarios where manual termination is impractical or inefficient. The controlling apparatus includes one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable memory storing executable instructions. The apparatus is configured to monitor and manage application execution on the electronic device. A key feature is the ability to automatically terminate all applications running on the electronic apparatus. This functionality ensures that all active applications are closed simultaneously, which can be useful for system maintenance, security measures, or power-saving operations. The termination process is automated, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the risk of incomplete shutdowns. The apparatus may also include additional features such as application monitoring, performance optimization, and user interface controls to enhance functionality. The automated termination feature is particularly valuable in environments where rapid or systematic application shutdown is required, such as in industrial systems, embedded devices, or security-sensitive applications. The invention improves efficiency, reliability, and security in application management on electronic devices.
4. The controlling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the non-transitory computer readable memory further stores computer-executable instructions for controlling the one or more processors to automatically terminate the application currently outputting an audio sound running on the electronic apparatus.
This invention relates to a controlling apparatus for managing audio output in electronic devices. The problem addressed is the need to automatically terminate applications that are outputting audio when certain conditions are met, such as when a user interacts with the device or when another application requires audio priority. The controlling apparatus includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable memory storing executable instructions. The apparatus is configured to monitor applications running on an electronic device and detect when an application is outputting audio. When a termination condition is met, such as a user input or a system command, the apparatus automatically terminates the currently running application that is outputting audio. This ensures that unwanted or conflicting audio is stopped, improving user experience and system efficiency. The apparatus may also include features to identify the specific application generating the audio and verify that termination is appropriate before proceeding. The invention is particularly useful in devices where multiple applications may compete for audio output, such as smartphones, tablets, or smart home systems.
5. The controlling apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the audio volume level is one of a media audio volume level, a phone audio volume level, an alarm audio volume level, a ringtone audio volume level, and a notification audio volume level.
This invention relates to a controlling apparatus for managing different audio volume levels in an electronic device. The problem addressed is the need to independently control various types of audio outputs, such as media playback, phone calls, alarms, ringtones, and notifications, without requiring separate physical controls for each. The apparatus includes a processor that adjusts the audio volume level based on user input, where the volume level corresponds to one of several distinct audio categories. These categories include media audio (e.g., music or video playback), phone audio (e.g., call audio), alarm audio (e.g., wake-up alarms), ringtone audio (e.g., incoming call alerts), and notification audio (e.g., app alerts or messages). The processor ensures that adjusting the volume for one category does not affect the volume of others, providing users with precise control over each type of audio output. This system enhances user experience by allowing customization of audio preferences for different scenarios, such as keeping ringtones loud while lowering media volume during a call. The invention may be implemented in smartphones, tablets, or other devices requiring multi-category audio management.
6. The controlling apparatus of claim 1 , the non-transitory computer readable memory further stores computer-executable instructions for controlling the one or more processors to determine whether the audio volume level is maintained lower than the threshold audio volume level for a duration longer than a threshold duration; and automatically terminate the application further based on the determination that the audio volume level is maintained lower than the threshold audio volume level for the duration longer than the threshold duration.
This invention relates to a controlling apparatus for managing application execution based on audio volume levels. The apparatus monitors the audio output of an application running on a computing device and compares it to a predefined threshold volume level. If the audio volume remains below this threshold for a duration exceeding a specified threshold time, the apparatus automatically terminates the application. This functionality helps prevent unnecessary resource consumption by applications that are not actively producing meaningful audio output, such as idle or background applications. The apparatus includes one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable memory storing executable instructions. The memory also stores the threshold audio volume level and the threshold duration, which define the conditions for termination. The apparatus continuously evaluates the audio volume level of the application and triggers termination only when the low-volume condition persists for the required duration. This ensures that applications are only terminated when they are genuinely inactive, avoiding premature or incorrect shutdowns. The invention is particularly useful in environments where efficient resource management is critical, such as mobile devices or systems running multiple background processes.
7. The controlling apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the non-transitory computer readable memory further stores computer-executable instructions for controlling the one or more processors to determine whether an ambient sound volume level is higher than a sound volume level of an audio sound currently outputted by the electronic apparatus; and automatically terminate the application further based on the determination that the ambient sound volume level is higher than the sound volume level of the audio sound currently outputted by the electronic apparatus, and that the audio volume level is lower than the threshold audio volume level.
This invention relates to an electronic apparatus with adaptive audio control, specifically addressing the problem of maintaining user attention and preventing unnecessary audio disruptions in noisy environments. The apparatus includes one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable memory storing executable instructions. The system monitors ambient sound levels and compares them to the current audio output volume of the device. If the ambient noise exceeds the device's audio output, the system automatically terminates the active application to prevent audio interference. Additionally, the termination occurs only if the device's audio volume is below a predefined threshold, ensuring that the action is taken only when necessary. This prevents the device from playing audio at an inaudible or ineffective level in loud environments, thereby conserving power and improving user experience. The invention enhances situational awareness by ensuring that audio output remains relevant and audible, or is disabled when ambient noise makes it ineffective.
8. The controlling apparatus of claim 1 , the non-transitory computer readable memory further stores computer-executable instructions for controlling the one or more processors to determine whether the electronic apparatus is currently transferring a file over a computer network; and automatically terminate the application further based on the determination that the electronic apparatus is not currently transferring the file over a computer network, and that the audio volume level is lower than the threshold audio volume level.
This invention relates to a controlling apparatus for managing applications on an electronic device, particularly focusing on terminating applications under specific conditions to conserve power or enhance user experience. The apparatus includes one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable memory storing executable instructions. The instructions enable the processors to monitor the audio volume level of the electronic device and compare it to a predefined threshold. If the audio volume is below this threshold, the apparatus determines whether the device is actively transferring a file over a computer network. If no file transfer is occurring, the apparatus automatically terminates the running application. This ensures that applications are only terminated when they are not actively engaged in critical tasks, such as data transfers, thereby preventing disruptions while conserving resources when the device is idle or in a low-activity state. The system may also include additional features, such as user-configurable thresholds or exceptions for certain applications, to provide flexibility in how the termination logic is applied. The invention aims to optimize device performance by intelligently managing application lifecycles based on real-time usage conditions.
9. The controlling apparatus of claim 1 , the non-transitory computer readable memory further stores computer-executable instructions for controlling the one or more processors to determine whether the audio volume level is adjusted to a lowest audio volume level of the electronic apparatus which is lower than the threshold audio volume level; and automatically terminate the application further based on the determination that the audio volume level is adjusted to the lowest audio volume level of the electronic apparatus.
This invention relates to a controlling apparatus for an electronic device, specifically addressing the problem of managing application termination based on audio volume adjustments. The apparatus includes one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable memory storing executable instructions. The instructions enable the processors to monitor the audio volume level of the electronic device and compare it to a predefined threshold. If the volume is adjusted to the lowest possible level of the device, which is below the threshold, the apparatus automatically terminates the active application. This ensures that applications are closed when the user explicitly reduces the volume to the minimum setting, preventing unintended operation or background processes. The system enhances user control and device efficiency by linking application termination to a clear, intentional user action. The invention may be part of a broader system for managing device resources or user interactions, ensuring seamless and responsive operation.
10. The controlling apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a display panel; and the non-transitory computer readable memory further stores computer-executable instructions for controlling the one or more processors to display a list of applications automatically terminated by the controlling apparatus.
This invention relates to a controlling apparatus for managing application termination in a computing system. The apparatus includes one or more processors, a non-transitory computer-readable memory storing executable instructions, and a communication interface for connecting to a target device. The apparatus monitors the target device to detect applications running on it and can terminate these applications based on predefined criteria, such as resource usage or user-defined rules. The termination process involves sending a termination command to the target device, which then closes the specified applications. The apparatus also includes a display panel that shows a list of applications that have been automatically terminated, allowing users to review the terminated applications. This feature helps users track which applications were closed and why, improving transparency and control over system management. The invention addresses the problem of managing application performance and resource usage in computing systems by providing an automated yet user-visible termination process.
11. The controlling apparatus of claim 10 , the non-transitory computer readable memory further stores computer-executable instructions for controlling the one or more processors to re-activate an application from the list upon receiving a user command.
A system for managing application states in a computing environment addresses the problem of efficiently handling application transitions between active and inactive states. The system includes a controlling apparatus with one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable memory storing executable instructions. The memory contains instructions for generating a list of inactive applications, where each application in the list is associated with a state snapshot capturing its runtime state. The system also includes instructions for activating an application from the list by restoring its state snapshot, allowing the application to resume operation from the exact point where it was deactivated. Additionally, the system can re-activate an application from the list in response to a user command, ensuring seamless transitions between active and inactive states. This approach optimizes system resources by maintaining application states without consuming active memory and provides users with quick access to previously used applications. The system is particularly useful in environments where multiple applications need to be managed efficiently, such as in multitasking operating systems or virtualized environments.
12. The controlling apparatus of claim 11 , the non-transitory computer readable memory further stores computer-executable instructions for controlling the one or more processors to log a process of the application at time it is terminated; and restore the process logged by the process logger when the application from the list is re-activated by the restore logic.
This invention relates to a controlling apparatus for managing application processes in a computing system, particularly focusing on logging and restoring application states. The apparatus includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable memory storing executable instructions. The memory contains a process logger that records the state of an application when it is terminated, capturing all necessary data to reconstruct the application's process. Additionally, the apparatus includes restore logic that reactivates the application and reconstructs its process using the logged data, ensuring the application resumes exactly where it left off. The system also includes a list of applications eligible for this logging and restoration process, allowing selective management of which applications are tracked. This technology addresses the problem of application state loss when processes are terminated, providing a seamless transition between termination and reactivation without requiring manual intervention or data re-entry. The apparatus ensures continuity in workflows, particularly in environments where applications are frequently opened and closed, such as in multitasking or resource-constrained systems. The logged process data may include application state, memory contents, and execution context, enabling precise restoration. The invention enhances user experience by maintaining application consistency and reducing downtime associated with process interruptions.
13. A mobile device, comprising a controlling apparatus of claim 1 .
A mobile device includes a controlling apparatus that manages the operation of a display screen. The controlling apparatus detects a user's touch input on the display screen and determines whether the touch input is a single-point touch or a multi-point touch. If the touch input is a single-point touch, the controlling apparatus adjusts the display screen's brightness based on the touch duration. If the touch input is a multi-point touch, the controlling apparatus adjusts the display screen's brightness based on the touch area. The brightness adjustment is performed by generating a brightness control signal and transmitting it to a display driver, which then adjusts the display screen's brightness accordingly. The controlling apparatus also includes a touch detection module to detect touch inputs and a brightness adjustment module to process the touch data and generate the brightness control signal. The mobile device may be a smartphone, tablet, or other portable electronic device with a touch-sensitive display. This invention addresses the need for intuitive and efficient brightness control in mobile devices, allowing users to adjust screen brightness without navigating through menus or using physical buttons.
14. A method for controlling an application of an electronic apparatus, comprising: determining whether an audio volume level of the electronic apparatus is adjusted lower than a threshold audio volume level in response to a manual change in an audio volume level setting; determining whether an ambient sound volume level is higher than a threshold sound volume level; determining whether the application is associated with an audio output apparatus other than the electronic apparatus; and automatically terminating the application based on (1) the determination that the audio volume level of the electronic apparatus is adjusted lower than the threshold audio volume level in response to the manual change in the audio volume level setting, (2) the determination that the ambient sound volume level is higher than the threshold sound volume level, and (3) the determination that the application is not associated with an audio output apparatus other than the electronic apparatus; wherein the manual change in the audio volume level setting comprises one or a combination of: a manual change of a setting of a physical volume adjuster of the electronic apparatus; a manual change of a setting of a physical volume adjuster of an audio output apparatus in communication with the electronic apparatus; a manual change in a setting in an audio volume slider displayed in the electronic apparatus; and a manual change in a setting in an audio volume slider displayed in the audio output apparatus in communication with the electronic apparatus.
This invention relates to a method for controlling an application in an electronic apparatus based on audio volume adjustments and ambient sound conditions. The method addresses scenarios where a user manually reduces the audio volume of an electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet, while ambient noise levels are high, and the application does not rely on an external audio output device. The system monitors whether the device's audio volume is manually lowered below a predefined threshold, checks if the ambient sound volume exceeds a threshold level, and verifies whether the application is dependent solely on the device's built-in audio output. If all conditions are met, the application is automatically terminated to conserve power and reduce unnecessary processing. The manual volume adjustments can be made through physical volume controls on the device or connected audio output devices, or via software-based volume sliders displayed on the device or connected devices. This approach ensures that applications with no external audio dependencies are closed when they are likely to be unneeded due to low volume settings and high ambient noise.
15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising: determining whether the electronic apparatus is in a screen lock state; wherein automatically terminating the application comprises automatically terminating the application further based on the determination that the electronic apparatus is in the screen lock state.
This invention relates to power management in electronic devices, specifically methods for optimizing application termination to conserve battery life. The problem addressed is inefficient power usage when applications continue running unnecessarily, particularly when the device is idle or locked. The invention provides a solution by automatically terminating applications based on device state, including whether the screen is locked. The method involves monitoring the device's operational state, including screen lock status, to determine when to terminate applications. If the device is in a screen lock state, the system automatically terminates applications to reduce power consumption. This decision is made in conjunction with other factors, such as application usage patterns or system resource availability, to ensure critical or frequently used applications remain active when needed. The termination process is designed to be seamless, preventing disruptions to user experience while maximizing energy efficiency. By dynamically adjusting application termination based on device state, the invention extends battery life without requiring manual intervention.
16. The method of claim 14 , wherein automatically terminating the application comprises automatically terminating all applications running on the electronic apparatus.
This invention relates to a method for managing applications on an electronic apparatus, particularly focusing on terminating applications to address issues such as system instability, security threats, or resource exhaustion. The method involves detecting a condition that necessitates the termination of one or more applications, such as a security breach, excessive resource usage, or system instability. Upon detecting such a condition, the method automatically terminates the affected application or, in some cases, all applications running on the electronic apparatus. The termination process ensures that the electronic apparatus can recover from the problematic state, either by restarting the terminated applications or by allowing the user to manually intervene. The method may also include logging the termination event for diagnostic purposes, allowing system administrators or automated systems to analyze the cause and prevent future occurrences. This approach enhances system reliability and security by proactively addressing application-related issues before they escalate.
17. The method of claim 14 , wherein automatically terminating the application comprises automatically terminating an application currently outputting an audio sound running on the electronic apparatus.
This invention relates to managing audio output on electronic devices, specifically addressing the problem of unwanted or disruptive audio from applications. The method involves automatically terminating an application that is currently outputting audio on the device. This ensures that only desired audio sources remain active, preventing interference from background or unintended sounds. The termination process is triggered by detecting an audio output conflict or user preference, ensuring seamless and uninterrupted audio experiences. The method applies to any electronic apparatus capable of running applications that produce audio, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. By selectively ending audio-producing applications, the system maintains audio clarity and user control over sound output. The invention improves user experience by reducing distractions and ensuring that only relevant audio sources remain active. This approach is particularly useful in environments where audio focus is critical, such as during meetings, presentations, or media playback. The automatic termination feature enhances device functionality by dynamically managing audio sources without manual intervention.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the audio volume level is one of a media audio volume level, a phone audio volume level, an alarm audio volume level, a ringtone audio volume level, and a notification audio volume level.
This invention relates to audio volume control systems in electronic devices, specifically addressing the challenge of managing multiple distinct audio volume levels for different audio sources. The system dynamically adjusts audio volume levels based on the type of audio being played, ensuring appropriate volume settings for media playback, phone calls, alarms, ringtones, and notifications. Each audio source is assigned a dedicated volume level, allowing users to independently control the volume for each category without affecting others. The system automatically detects the active audio source and applies the corresponding volume setting, enhancing user experience by preventing disruptions from sudden volume changes. This approach improves usability by maintaining consistent volume levels for different audio functions, reducing the need for manual adjustments. The invention is particularly useful in smartphones, tablets, and other multimedia devices where multiple audio sources coexist. By separating volume controls for media, phone calls, alarms, ringtones, and notifications, the system ensures that each audio type is played at an optimal and user-defined level, avoiding conflicts between different audio sources. This method enhances convenience and customization in audio management.
19. The method of claim 14 , further comprising determining whether an ambient sound volume level is higher than a sound volume level of an audio sound currently outputted by the electronic apparatus; wherein automatically terminating the application comprises automatically terminating the application further based on the determination that the ambient sound volume level is higher than the sound volume level of the audio sound currently outputted by the electronic apparatus.
This invention relates to audio processing in electronic devices, specifically methods for managing application termination based on ambient sound conditions. The problem addressed is ensuring that an electronic device can effectively terminate an application when ambient noise levels interfere with audio output, preventing user distraction or miscommunication. The method involves monitoring both ambient sound levels and the current audio output volume of the device. If the ambient sound volume exceeds the device's audio output level, the system determines that the application should be terminated. This decision is integrated into the existing application termination process, which may involve detecting user input, system events, or other termination triggers. The invention ensures that applications are terminated when ambient noise could disrupt their functionality, such as in voice recognition, audio playback, or communication applications. By comparing ambient and output sound levels, the device can prioritize user experience by avoiding unnecessary audio interference. This is particularly useful in noisy environments where ambient sounds might otherwise overwhelm the device's audio output, leading to poor performance or user frustration. The method enhances device responsiveness and reliability in varying acoustic conditions.
Unknown
November 26, 2019
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.